The Edmonton Oilers enter the 2025-26 season with their captain’s future hanging in the balance. Connor McDavid hasn’t signed an extension, and whispers around the league suggest he’s considering shorter contracts or, in the worst-case scenario for Edmonton fans, a potential departure.
This uncertainty hits at a critical moment when the Oilers’ veteran core remains productive but undeniably aging, making every season feel like a championship-or-bust proposition.
Can Edmonton’s Young Talent Convince McDavid to Stay?
This week, the organization received a boost of optimism when Isaac Howard, a 21-year-old winger fresh off winning the Hobey Baker Award, was slotted at No. 19 on NHL Network’s list of the Top 25 Prospects. This recognition validates what many scouts have been saying about the young forward’s potential impact.
Howard joined Edmonton through a July trade with Tampa Bay, bringing impressive credentials, including 52 points in 37 games at Michigan State, Big Ten Player of the Year honors, and a gold medal with Team USA at the 2025 World Championship. His college production suggests he could provide the scoring depth Edmonton has desperately needed.
Howard isn’t the only prospect generating buzz. Matt Savoie, who recorded 54 points in Bakersfield of the AHL last season, is also highly ranked among league prospects. He even grabbed an assist during a brief call-up with the Oilers, showing he can contribute at the NHL level when needed.
However, Howard has captured more attention from scouts and analysts. His quick release and natural scoring instincts give him the tools to make an immediate impact at the professional level. While his defensive game needs refinement, Edmonton has experienced veterans who can provide support during his transition. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a steady, two-way player who could help ease Howard’s adjustment to NHL competition.
The Oilers are banking on Howard being different from many Hobey Baker winners who dominated college hockey but struggled to translate that success to the NHL. They see a competitive forward with the scoring touch their organization has often lacked in recent years.
How Does McDavid’s Contract Situation Impact the Oilers’ Timeline?
All prospect development unfolds against the backdrop of McDavid’s uncertain future. The 28-year-old captain is in the final year of his contract, creating pressure that extends far beyond the ice. Insiders like TSN’s Chris Johnston have warned that the Oilers risk “aging out” without fresh talent, placing enormous importance on the development of players like Howard and Savoie.
McDavid has consistently expressed his desire to win in Edmonton, but his recent comments about exploring “no-term” deals or short extensions sent a clear message to management. The subtext seems obvious: keep the roster competitive or risk losing the best player in hockey.
Elliotte Friedman has suggested McDavid may only consider signing a shorter deal worth upwards of $16 million annually. This creates a challenging situation where Edmonton must balance immediate championship aspirations with long-term roster building.
For the Oilers, the path forward requires careful navigation. They must pursue the Stanley Cup aggressively while simultaneously demonstrating to their captain that the organization has a sustainable future beyond the current veteran core. Prospects like Howard won’t single-handedly determine McDavid’s decision, but they represent the clearest evidence yet that Edmonton has compelling reasons for him to stay.